Have you ever scrolled through TikTok or watched a live stream and noticed animated icons floating across the screen? These are TikTok Gifts, a digital way for viewers to support their favorite creators.
TikTok Live Gifts are virtual tokens that users can send to creators as a sign of appreciation, either during live sessions or directly from their For You Page. These gifts, represented by various icons, can be converted into digital currency called Diamonds by the creators.
They provide a straightforward method for viewers to show support to content creators during live streams and offer a significant monetization tool for creators on the platform.
The recent surge of the NPC trend on TikTok, where creators robotically react to gifts, has further piqued interest in these digital tokens and their value. If you’re curious about the worth of TikTok gifts and how to use them, this guide will provide a complete overview!
TikTok Creator Next: Unlocking Monetization
TikTok’s Creator Next program is designed to help creators monetize their content and grow their audience. TikTok Live gifts are a key feature of this program. Joining Creator Next unlocks access to various monetization tools, including:
- Creator Fund
- Creator Marketplace
- Video Gifts
- Tips
To be eligible for Creator Next, creators must meet certain criteria:
- Creator Next must be available in your region.
- You must be at least 18 years old (19 in South Korea, 20 in Japan).
- You need to meet specific follower and video view thresholds.
- Creators must have posted content at least three times in the last 30 days.
- Your account must adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
- Business Accounts are not eligible for Creator Next.
To apply for TikTok Creator Next:
- Go to your Profile by tapping the profile icon at the bottom right.
- Open Settings by tapping the three-line icon at the top right.
- Select Creator Tools, then Apply.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Understanding the foundation of TikTok Live gifts, let’s delve into the specifics.
Understanding TikTok Live Gifts
TikTok Live Gifts are animated stickers or digital tokens that viewers can send to their favorite creators during live broadcasts. This feature allows fans to express their support in real-time and provides creators with a revenue stream. It’s a unique form of engagement for viewers and a monetization tool for creators.
How TikTok Live Gifts Function
TikTok gifts facilitate interaction between users and creators, fostering a stronger community. Let’s examine how TikTok live gifts work from both perspectives:
Sending TikTok Live Gifts: A User’s Guide
To send a TikTok gift, users need TikTok Coins. These coins are purchased with real money, allowing users to send virtual gifts of varying values to creators. Each gift sent deducts the corresponding coin value from the user’s balance.
Users can recharge their coin balance in two ways: through their TikTok account settings or while watching a TikTok video.
Recharging Coins via TikTok Account:
- Go to your Profile.
- Open “Settings and Privacy.”
- Select “Balance.”
- Tap “Recharge” and choose a coin package.
- Follow the app store instructions to complete the purchase.
Recharging Coins through a TikTok Video:
- Open a video you enjoy.
- Tap the comments section.
- Look for the “Gifts” button in the comment toolbar (if missing, the creator cannot receive gifts).
- Select “Recharge” and choose a package.
- Follow the app store instructions to complete the purchase.
Setting Up Live Gifts: A Creator’s Guide
To set up TikTok Live gifts, creators must be at least 18 years old (in most regions). Enable LIVE Gifts by following these steps:
- Go to your Profile at the bottom right.
- Tap the three-line (hamburger) menu icon at the top right for Settings.
- Choose Creator Tools, then LIVE Gifts, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- To enable Gifts on your videos, repeat the above steps but select Video Gifts and then Turn on Video Gifts.
This setup allows creators to receive gifts during LIVE sessions and on their video content, enhancing audience interaction.
Once LIVE Gifting is activated, gifts will appear during live broadcasts from viewers supporting your content. Creators can view the total gifts received in their TikTok LIVE summary after the stream.
To monetize gifts, creators convert them into Diamonds, which can then be exchanged for cash via PayPal. TikTok sets the conversion rate, which is influenced by factors like the number of Diamonds accumulated. We’ll discuss TikTok Live Diamonds in more detail shortly. First, let’s understand the policy framework surrounding TikTok Live Gifts.
TikTok Live Gifts Policies
TikTok prioritizes platform policies, and violations can lead to account bans. The Virtual Items Policy governs LIVE Gifts on TikTok. In June 2022, TikTok introduced a new policy framework for users in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK, focusing on:
Coins Policy
The Coins Policy applies to TikTok users in these regions. It outlines the purchase and use of virtual Coins to access virtual items or services, like sending LIVE Gifts. The policy covers coin purchasing, withdrawals, refunds, and guarantees.
Rewards Policy
The Rewards Policy is for creators in these European countries and details the criteria for earning Rewards on TikTok. It’s designed for users participating in TikTok’s incentive programs, encouraging engagement and quality content, including LIVE streaming. Key aspects include:
- Program eligibility
- Program participation guidelines
- Program termination and suspension procedures
- Reward collection guidelines
- Diamond usage
- Diamond payment process
- Program modifications
TikTok Live Diamonds: Earning and Collecting
Now, let’s address TikTok Live diamonds. After enabling LIVE Gifting, creators receive gifts from viewers during live broadcasts. TikTok tracks these gifts and awards creators Diamonds based on the popularity of their content. The number of gifts received is a significant factor in Diamond allocation. To be eligible for Diamonds, creators must:
- Be enrolled in the Creator Next program.
- Be in a region where LIVE Gifts are available.
- Be at least 18 years old (19 in South Korea, 20 in Japan).
- Have an account active for over 30 days with at least 1,000 followers.
- Comply with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
- Not use a TikTok Business Account.
Creators can monitor their Diamond balance and redeem them for cash at a TikTok-determined conversion rate. This rate is influenced by factors like the total Diamonds accumulated. To withdraw funds, creators must link a PayPal account.
The Real Value of TikTok Gifts
Determining the exact value of TikTok gifts can be complex due to varying conversion rates. Generally, 1 coin is worth approximately $0.01 USD, making a 1,000-coin gift worth about $10 USD. Gifts start as low as 5 coins, around $0.05 USD. For specific gift values, you can find detailed lists here.
The conversion from gifts to Diamonds varies, but a common estimate is 1 Diamond equals 2 coins. So, a 5,000-coin gift might translate to 2,500 Diamonds for the creator, worth about $25 USD before TikTok’s commission. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- 1 Coin ≈ $0.01 USD
- 2 Coins = 1 Diamond
- 200 Diamonds ≈ $1 USD
However, after TikTok’s 50% commission, creators would receive roughly $12.50 USD from a $50 USD donation. TikTok also has a minimum withdrawal limit of $100 USD and a daily withdrawal cap of $1,000 USD.
Best Practices and Strategies for TikTok Gifting
TikTok Live gifting is popular for both creators and viewers. Here are best practices and strategies for creators to enhance engagement and earnings:
Gifting Best Practices
TikTok encourages users to support creators through gifting but also addresses potential misuse. Creators should follow these best practices:
- Express gratitude for gifts using phrases like “Thank you so much!” or “This means a lot!”
- Avoid offering incentives for gifts or follows, such as “gifts for shoutouts” or “follow for follow.”
These practices help maintain a positive and authentic environment.
Gifting Strategies for Creators
Creators can use these five strategies to maximize TikTok LIVE Gift earnings and boost audience engagement:
Create Exclusive Premium Content
Develop unique content specifically for viewers who send gifts. Promote this exclusive content during live sessions and explain the benefits of gifting to show appreciation and build viewer loyalty.
Personalized Shoutouts and Acknowledgements
Dedicate time during live streams for personalized shoutouts to gift senders. Encourage them to share their names or usernames for a more personal connection and community feel.
Run Engaging Giveaways and Contests
Organize giveaways and contests for gift senders to boost excitement and participation. Clearly communicate rules and select winners transparently during the live stream to encourage ongoing engagement.
Incorporate Interactive Trends and Activities
Integrate interactive challenges and activities into live sessions. Reward gift senders with special recognition during the broadcast to motivate further participation and content sharing.
Offer Exclusive Access and Behind-the-Scenes Content
Cultivate an exclusive community by offering special access and behind-the-scenes content to gift senders. Announce these exclusive live sessions in advance to build anticipation and engagement.
By consistently implementing these strategies, creators can strengthen audience relationships, encourage more TikTok LIVE Gifts, and build a sustainable path to platform success. Providing valuable experiences for supporters is crucial for increasing TikTok LIVE Gift flow and earnings.
Sending Gifts on Recorded TikTok Videos
Viewers can also send Gifts on regular, pre-recorded TikTok videos. To show appreciation for a non-live video:
- Tap the Comments icon while watching the video.
- Find the Gift icon next to the “Add comment…” field and tap it.
- Choose a Gift, from Classic to Premium options.
- If needed, tap Recharge to buy more Coins and follow the prompts.
- Add a comment (optional) and tap Send to finalize the Gift.
However, not all videos are eligible for Gifts. Gifts cannot be sent to:
- Duets or Stitches
- Advertisements or sponsored content
- Content violating TikTok’s Community Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Why can’t I send gifts on TikTok?
TikTok has age restrictions on gifting to protect younger users from scams. If you are underage, you can still support creators by sharing their content.
Do TikTok creators actually make money?
Yes, TikTok creators can earn income, though there are withdrawal limits. Top creators can earn significantly, but consistent content creation and audience engagement are essential.
Can you send gifts on recorded TikTok videos?
Yes, viewers can send gifts on pre-recorded videos, in addition to live streams.
Can you get a refund for TikTok gifts?
No, TikTok’s policy states all gift transactions are final and non-refundable. Review your choice before sending a gift.
Is there a way to send TikTok live gifts for free?
No, sending gifts on TikTok requires purchasing coins first. There is no way to send gifts for free.
Final Thoughts
Understanding TikTok LIVE gifts might seem complex initially, but hopefully, this guide has clarified the process. Remember that coins and gifts are irreversible, so use them thoughtfully. We wish you success in earning Diamonds and building your online presence if you choose to pursue content creation on TikTok. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the journey of connecting with your audience!
